How to Catch Swordfish

Although overfishing has reduced the swordfish population, they remain an attractive target for commercial and sport fishermen. Swordfish can grow up to 15 feet long and 1,300 lbs. They rarely approach coastal waters so you must fish from a boat. The typical approach for anglers is trolling or drifting. Read on to learn how to catch swordfish.

Instructions

1. Pick a bait or lure. Appropriate baitfish include mackerel, mullet, herring and bonito. Some anglers fish with squid. You can fish with cut or live bait. Kona heads, imitation squids and specialized swordfish lures with plastic light sticks are also useful.

2. Set the outriggers if you are trolling. If you are drifting, bait your hook and let out your line.

3. Adjust the drag on your reel so that it is just high enough to prevent line from spooling off. When a fish takes the bait, you will know because the reel will start to spin slowly. Increase the drag until it is high enough to set the hook. It does not require a high setting because swordfish have soft mouths. They often set the hook on themselves once the drag begins to increase.

4. Fight the fish until you can land it. You can land smaller fish in less than an hour, but big fish require large investments of time.

5. Wear thick gloves and be cautious when landing the fish. It is best to work as a team, with one person holding the bill and the other unhooking the fish.

Tips & Warnings

• When you catch a swordfish, note the location on a map or a GPS system. If you return after fighting and landing it, there are often other fish still congregating in the same area. Some fishermen catch multiple fish a night using this method.

• Swordfish bills are dangerous. When you catch a swordfish, never handle it without gloves and be attentive in case the fish slashes its bill toward you.